IT IS well known across the country that everyone loves an underdog story, no more so than when a team goes to sporting battle against much more established opposition.

That's exactly what faced the Launceston under 10's hockey team when they travelled to Bristol on April 19, to represent Cornwall in the West Regional Finals where they defied the odds to return home as worthy champions.

Coach Sharon Rundle said: "This is a major achievement, we were the very tiny fish in a very big pond, beating some of the biggest clubs in the west country."

In the opening rounds, the boys drew with Bournemouth 0-0 before three consecutive 1-0 victories over Cheltenham, Marjons and Taunton.

Now they had found their feet in the competition, Launceston began to show their intentions by finishing top in the rounds by hitting five past Swansea without reply, putting the Cornish side through to the semi-finals. against Bath.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.